In a winner-takes-all decider during Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Falcons edged out G2 Esports 2–1, sending G2 home and booking their own ticket to the playoffs.
With that win, Falcons join the elite eight, advancing to the single-elimination playoff bracket at the MVM Dome.
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G2 vs. Falcons Maps Recap: How the Series Played Out
Ancient: G2 Take the Lead
G2 struck first on Ancient, using their map pick to seize early control. They posted a solid 13-9 closing score – putting Falcons on the brink and forcing them to bounce back under pressure.
For Falcons, early struggles in utility usage and round-winning trades kept them on the defensive – they simply couldn’t match G2’s pace and coordination this map. The deficit set the tone: Falcons needed a near-perfect response to stay alive.
Inferno: Falcons Explode Back
On Inferno, Falcons delivered one of their most dominant performances of the tournament. They controlled the game, punished G2 for mistakes, and repeatedly broke their defensive setups. The final score – 13-4 showed just how wide the gap was after a tactical reset.
Key to this turnaround was the star performance of Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov. His AWP devastation on critical rounds, combined with aggressive mid-round reads, dismantled G2’s CT setups and turned Inferno into a one-sided affair. Observers called his showing “transcendent,” and it set the tone for the decider.
Falcons found rhythm with strong coordination between AWP and rifle setups – and G2 simply couldn’t keep up.
Dust2: Drama & Clutches
The decider on Dust2 was tense and close – but Falcons managed to hold their nerve. Despite G2’s attempts to mount comebacks and win key pistol/eco rounds, Firepower-heavy Falcons pushed through. m0NESY again made high-impact AWP plays in clutch situations, dismantling defensive setups and winning important duels under pressure.
With that 13-10 finish, Falcons sealed a gritty, hard-fought victory – turning a 0-1 hole into a playoff berth.
What’s Next for Falcons
Now that Falcons have locked in a spot among the top 8 at the Budapest Major, the pressure shifts to playoffs mode. They’ve shown their ability to bounce back, but in a single-elimination setting, every mistake counts.
If m0NESY, NiKo, and the rest keep hitting their stride, they have a real shot to go deep. On the other hand, if their inconsistency resurfaces, this Major could end in heartbreak.
